Man nets four years in prison for drunken home invasion

Published 9:51 am, Monday, February 8, 2016

BAD AXE — A Bay City man, who has become familiar with prison in the last 25 years, will return to a cell again following the judge’s decision Monday morning.

After a night of drinking on Dec. 20, 2014, Scott Joseph Abbe, 43, decided to throw a brick through the window of a home and steal various items.

As a result, Abbe was charged with second-degree home invasion. He later pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 2, 2015.

“My client was very forthcoming on a factual basis of what he did,” Abbe’s attorney Dallas Rooney said at sentencing. “... It’s always a good thing when a person takes responsibility in what they do.”

“When he (Abbe) found out about the warrant for his arrest, he turned himself in,” he added.

Rooney described his client as a person who has problems with logical thinking and noted to the judge Abbe’s lack of thinking “causes Abbe to do what he does.” The Bad Axe attorney said virtually all of his client’s offenses have been property-related.

Abbe then expressed remorse for his actions to the court.

“I just want to get this over with and move on with my life,” Abbe said.

Huron County Prosecutor Timothy J. Rutkowski briefed the court of Abbe’s criminal history — which dates back to 1989 when he was sentenced to 180 days in jail for a breaking and entering.

“On behalf of the people, we’re asking for protection for this community with a prison sentence,” Rutkowski said referencing an eight-year sentence request. “... I think his record deserves that.”

Rutkowski told Huron County Circuit Court Judge Gerald M. Prill that after having conversations with the victims, the items Abbe stole are irreplaceable — such as jewelry from a deceased family member.

“They’re unique to this victim (and) they’re important to this victim,” Rutkowski said.

Following all statements, Prill moved forward with sentencing.

“You’d think after so many times of being punished, you’d think, ‘OK, this has to stop,’” Prill said to Abbe. “Clearly you didn’t get it. You’ve taken away something from this individual that they will never get back.”

“Does prison or county jail work?” Prill asked. “I believe it does work and you will be going to prison as a result of that.”

Abbe was sentenced to a minimum of four years in the Michigan state prison system, with a maximum of 30 years. Prill noted the reason for the amount of prison time was because Abbe “has been through the system time and time again.”

Prill ordered Abbe to pay $750 in restitution and the amount owed will remain open until a restitution hearing at 1:30 p.m. on May 23.